Italian refrigerant rules: DPR 146/2018, the F-gas register and the Banca Dati

The EU regulation applies directly, DPR 146/2018 supplements it

The EU regulation (EU) 2024/573 has applied in Italy since 11 March 2024 and replaces Regulation 517/2014 ^[1][2]. The leak check intervals, the service bans and the bans on new products therefore come directly from the EU regulation. References to the old Regulation 517/2014 are to be read as references to 2024/573 ^[1].

The Italian regulation DPR 16 novembre 2018, n. 146 (Decreto del Presidente della Repubblica, presidential decree) was written for Regulation 517/2014. It sets up the register, the database and the certification system, and it replaced the earlier DPR 43/2012 ^[3][8]. The competent authority is the Ministero dell'Ambiente e della Sicurezza Energetica, MASE (Ministry of the Environment and Energy Security) ^[2][7]. When we checked in October 2026 we found no published new decree replacing DPR 146/2018. It therefore remains the national basis. Follow the MASE website for changes ^[3].

The register at the Chambers of Commerce

The Registro telematico nazionale delle persone e delle imprese certificate (national electronic register of certified persons and companies) is kept by the Chambers of Commerce (Camere di commercio) and is reached via fgas.it ^[3][4]. Persons and companies must enrol in the register before applying for a certificate. The application is made online with a digital signature or SPID (Italy's digital identity), and stamp duty and fees are charged ^[4].

Certification bodies also register. Within 10 working days they must enter which persons and companies they have certified, as well as suspensions, revocations, renewals and transfers ^[4]. This lets a client check in the register that a company is certified.

Reporting to the Banca Dati within 30 days

DPR 146/2018 set up the Banca Dati dei gas fluorurati a effetto serra (database of fluorinated greenhouse gases and equipment containing them), which is run by the Chambers of Commerce ^[5]. The certified company, or the certified person where the company does not need a certificate, reports electronically within 30 days of the work ^[5][8]. Reporting covers, among other things, stationary refrigeration, air conditioning, stationary heat pumps and fire protection equipment ^[5].

The entries in the Banca Dati replace the paper records the operator would otherwise keep. The operator can see its units in the database and download a certificate with the data ^[5]. The old annual declaration to ISPRA (Istituto Superiore per la Protezione e la Ricerca Ambientale, the national environmental institute) due by 31 May no longer exists ^[8].

Certification in Italy

Persons and companies that install, maintain, repair or dismantle equipment must hold a certificate from a certification body ^[6]. The body must be accredited by Accredia (Italy's national accreditation body) to schemes approved by the Ministry, and also designated by the Ministry ^[6]. Under DPR 146/2018 personal certificates are valid for ten years and company certificates for five years ^[6]. The EU regulation also requires refresher training or an evaluation of certified persons at least every 7 years. Holders of certificates issued under Regulation 517/2014 must do this for the first time no later than 12 March 2029 (Article 10(9)) ^[1]. The minimum requirements for the certificates are common to the EU and follow from Regulation 2024/573 ^[1].

Pressure equipment: periodic requalification

Pressure vessels and piping in refrigeration systems are also covered by DM 329/2004, which sets the commissioning and periodic requalification (riqualificazione periodica) of pressure equipment ^[9]. Article 11(1)(b) exempts vessels of up to 1,000 litres and design pressure PS of up to 30 bar that belong to a refrigeration system, as long as the system contains no vessel exceeding the volume and pressure limits of letter a) of the same paragraph ^[9].

Penalties and enforcement

The penalties are set out in D.Lgs. 5 dicembre 2019, n. 163 (legislative decree on penalties). They cover, among other things, intentional releases, leaks that are not repaired, missing leak checks and missing reports to the Banca Dati. The fines are administrative and are imposed by the Prefect (Prefetto) of the area where the breach took place ^[7]. In a circular of 3 December 2025 MASE describes inspections together with the Carabinieri and the Guardia di Finanza against illegal trade in F-gases, with seizures of containers and equipment ^[7].

Changes 2024–2026

• 11 March 2024: Regulation 2024/573 enters into force and replaces 517/2014 ^[1][2].
• 3 December 2025: MASE circular on seizure of F-gases and equipment during inspections ^[7].
• 1 January 2026: F-gases with a GWP of 2,500 or more may no longer be used to service and maintain air conditioning and heat pumps ^[1][2].
• October 2026: DPR 146/2018 still applies. A new national decree for 2024/573 may follow; check with MASE ^[3].

Practical checklist

1. Check that both the company and the technician are in the register on fgas.it ^[3][4].
2. Report every job to the Banca Dati within 30 days ^[5].
3. Calculate the quantity in tonnes CO2e with the plant's actual refrigerant; the GWP calculator does the conversion.
4. Do not use refrigerants with a GWP of 2,500 or more to service air conditioning and heat pumps from 2026 ^[1].
5. Keep invoices and documents that show where the refrigerant comes from ^[7].